About Janine

Janine De Tillio Cammarata, Author

Janine De Tillio Cammarata is a graduate of the College of Saint Rose (’88, ’93) in English Literature with a concentration in Medieval Literature. Her latest book is a middle-grade fantasy series, The Puzzle Quests: Shimmer's Eggs. She is the award winning author of What Makes Them Amazing: Inspiring Stories of Young Adults Fighting Cancer, Warriors Within: Book One of the Fianna Cycle, and Eyes of the Goddess: Book Two of the Fianna Cycle. Her memoirs have been chosen to be read at BookMarks: The Memoir Project Reading Series at The Arts Center of the Capital Region. Cammarata is a member of The Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators. She teaches creative writing and journaling workshops to all ages from elementary school, middle grade, high school, and adults.

Janine has edited White Wings by Claire R. Dwyer (The Troy Book Makers), and Gillinder & Sons Early American Westward Ho Pattern Glass by Leonard Farchione (Westward Ho Publishing), Generation Now by Brian McKenna, and No One Rises Alone by Scott Baker, as well as various other projects.

As president and co-founder of Nick’s Fight to be Healed Foundation, Inc. Janine spends much of her time running this foundation that is very close to her heart. It was formed in memory of her son, Nick, who passed away from Leukemia in October 2008. Nick’s Fight to be Healed Foundation financially and emotionally supports local pediatric cancer patients, as well as the young adult cancer community. Nick’s Round Table is a teen advisory group which helps other teens during their cancer journey.

Janine is a certified Dream Teacher under the training of Robert Moss, who created Active Dreaming, an original synthesis of dreamwork and shamanism. She is a third degree black belt in Malone's Kenpo Karate, a Level 2 Reiki practitioner, and Baron Baptiste-inspired 200 hour registered yoga teacher.

She and her family live in upstate New York with their two rescue dogs, Zoey Shadow and Dakota Kenny.

What's Being Said?

Adult Writing Workshop Reviews

"Through this class I was finally able to complete something that I am confident about."

"The Puzzle Quests: Shimmer's Eggs is amazing. Haven't been able to put it down. What a wonderful magical adventure!!"

Melissa

"I loved learning about the Celtic lore that is written about in this book! Can't wait to read the next one :)"

Cie

"I usually read mysteries or non fiction. Every once in a while I like to try something different. If you like J.R.R. Tolkien or the Chronicles of Narnia this is a good fit. I enjoyed the story line and the character development. I wonder if and when book 2 will be available?"

Marla

"I just wanted to let you know that I loved your book. I have been an avid reader of fantasy based novels or most of my life and I found this one refreshing and highly engaging. I truly hope there will be a few more books in this cycle. Thanks!"

Rebecca

Adult Journaling Workshop Reviews

"Being able to take time to journal and focus on myself has been an incredible experience."

The Writer's Journal School Program

“Janine Cammarata, a natural teacher of her craft, is able to ignite a spark even in your most reluctant writer!”

"I really enjoyed this book. I love Celtic stories. I really enjoyed the dreaming aspect to the book as well. How in our dreams we can go anywhere . The characters in this book , knew that and took advantage of it.

I had read "Warriors Within", which was her first book. I looked forward to reading this sequel (Eyes of the Goddess) and was not disappointed. I look forward to her next book!!"

V. McCarney

"The girls' best treat yesterday (Halloween) was picking up their personalized copy of Shimmer's Eggs from our favorite author! The girls were beta readers a couple of years ago before it went to press!

Time travel, enduring friendships, and persevering during hard times...this book is best for midde elementary aged readers...but I loved it too! Heart-warming, an adventure-filled story about childhood bonds that wishstand place and time!"

Felicia

Adult Writing Workshop Review

"This well-thought-out course covered the essentials of creative writing in a logical progression. Class discussion and activities as well as assignments were thought-provoking and stimulating."

"Eyes of the Goddess, Book Two of the Fianna Cycle, takes up where Warriors Within left off. Present-day New York City is entwined with 3rd century Ireland by their respective inhabitants, Michaela Sommers and Maecha Ruadh Mac Art, heiress to the throne of Tara. Michaela is involved in a search for the drug lord who killed her father, Police Narcotics Officer Jack Sommers, while Maecha is about to embark on a voyage to Alba (ancient Scotland) to free her father, King Cormac, who had been kidnapped by the Picts. The two worlds are connected by the dream travel of Michaela, the chief druid Finnius Amergin, and Natalie, a child who exists in NYC but is destined to save ancient Ireland from ruin. Cammarata's keen knowledge of Celtic lore and skill in martial arts combine to create an exciting story of ancient battles, gods and magic, honor, loyalty and love. Young adults who love a good adventure story will certainly love this one. While Eyes of the Goddess can be read as a stand-alone, readers will want to start with Warriors Within to experience the full epic tale."

Joan Weiskotten

Young Adult LibrarianClifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library

Adult Writing Workshop Reviews

"Through this class I was finally able to complete something that I am confident about."

"I SO enjoyed your work, I didn’t want to put it down, and then didn’t want it to end. I am very excited for the next book in the series, to continue my adventure with the sisters."

Judi

"Your book is excellent – a picture of Celtic landscape and adventure remained in my mind long after I completed the novel - I am looking forward to your sequel!"

Mary

"I bought The Warrior Within at a fundraiser although it was not the type of book I usually purchase. I have been missing out..! I was immediately hooked and disappointed that it took so long for Eyes of the Goddess to be published. Please know that I purchased Eyes of the Goddess through Amazon and appreciate how quickly it was delivered. I am amazed a the skill of the author in being able to transition from the present to the past without losing the reader in the process. I love the Celtic aspect and the storyline continues to keep me addicted to this trilogy. I am eagerly waiting for the next (and unfortunately the last) book to be published. A whole new world of books has been opened to me though my initial purchase of The Warrior Within"

Ann Frantti

"'What is the quest?' Luke asked, not getting pulled into the excitement of an adventure, even if that was what he had just been hoping for."

Luke is an active 11-year-old who loves to swim—until one day he is sidelined with an illness that has him bedridden in the hospital. His family, including his brother, Peter, would do anything for Luke to get better. One day, upon waking in the hospital, Luke finds a puzzle next to his bed. Thinking it is a gift from a family member, he and Peter put the puzzle together. But this is no ordinary puzzle. Placing the final puzzle piece brings the puzzle to life and transports Luke and Peter into a medieval world of dragons and knights. A princess named Meriwether needs their help and in exchange will grant them each a wish. Longing for his brother to get better, Peter agrees, and Luke is excited about an adventure away from his hospital room.

The brothers take a journey to a faraway magical land where they must help Meriwether’s dragon, Shimmer, find all her stolen eggs. But that will prove to be more challenging than either brother thought. Each adventure leads them closer to their goal, and they even bring along their best friends, Mark and Rose. But will they find all the eggs in time? Will they get their wish? Will Luke get better and be able to leave the hospital?

Cammarata has a vision for medieval worlds and dragons and delightfully portrays that world for young readers. This book is perfectly matched to the minds of 8-12-year-olds and will captivate both boys and girls alike. There are adventures, dragons, knights, kings, and princesses, all twisted together in a beautifully told story of hope and determination. It is a tale of adventure and love.

RECOMMENDED by the US Review

"Cammarata's action packed storytelling never lets up. The urgency of the pacing draws the reader into Maecha's world quickly, but it is the fierceness of her loyalty and love that defines the narrative. Well-developed details ground the magical elements and make a world where people time travel in their dreams and are friends with gods believable. Jumping from the ancient past to modern day is at first jarring, but as the characters' lives weave together, their complicated relationships deepen the meaning of the story and give it a powerful sense of destiny fulfilled. "

The US Review of Books

Events & Workshops

Writing Workshop with Shimmer's Eggs

WEDNESDAYS, APRIL 11, 18, 25 AND MAY 9 FROM 3:45PM-4:45PM

Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library

Children's Activity Room

For grades 4 & 5 or home-schooled equivalent, registration is required and begins two weeks prior to first session. Attendance at all sessions is requested. Join local author, Janine De Tillio Cammarata on a magical quest to create characters and adventures based on your imagination and ideas from her latest book, The Puzzle Quests: Shimmer’s Eggs. Snacks will be served. (*FAA)

Whether it's in a notebook, blog, or sketchpad journaling can help you lead a whole and fulfilling life. It's a way to keep track of goals, life activities, dreams, and is very fun! Learn the many ways to express yourself! Each workshop will be different so come to them all!

DIGITAL STORYTELLING FOR TEENS

APRIL 11, 18, 25, MAY 9 FROM 5:00-6:00PM

CLIFTON PARK-HALFMOON PUBLIC LIBRARY--PIRACCI BOARD ROOM

Collaborate and Create! The group will work together to write and illustrate a story, then create a short video featuring their voices and artwork. The final project will be an illustrated digital story they can share with others. No experience needed!